Cancer Pharmacology - MSc

Why study this course?

The use of chemotherapeutic agents to target and kill cancer cells is a central strategy in the treatment of cancers. This course describes the nature of the disease at the systems, cellular and molecular levels, and focuses on the drugs which are used to treat different cancers and on how they work.

Worldwide the incidence of cancer is increasing, and is expected to reach 22 million new cases per year by 2030. In addition to treatments such as radiotherapy and surgery, chemotherapy has a vital role to play in prolonging the lives of patients.

The aims of this course are to:

provide you with an in-depth understanding of the molecular targets at which the different classes of anticancer drugs are aimed, and of how drug therapies are evolving;

review the biology of cancer with respect to genetics, pathological considerations, and the molecular changes within cells which are associated with the progression of the disease;

enhance intellectual and practical skills necessary for the collection, analysis, interpretation and understanding of scientific data;

deliver a programme of advanced study to equip you for a future career in anti-cancer drug development.

Assessment

Assessment is a combination of coursework, which includes tests and essays, the research project and its oral defence and examination.

a lower second class (2.2) UK first degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, for example pharmacology, biomedical science, biological science or medical genetics (these will be considered on an individual basis)

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time.
Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

This module focuses on human diseases with a genetic component, from monogenic disorders to complex, multifactorial diseases. Consideration is also given to hereditary mechanisms not linked to DNA sequence (e.g. genomic imprinting).

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of skills needed for the planning, organisation and practice of research in science. Different analytical approaches to problems will be reviewed together with the need to consider statistics and quality control in the design of projects. Students will consider the impact of appropriate safety, ethical and resourcing implications in the design and operation of a project.

The MSc is a one year, full-time course involving 30 weeks of taught modules divided into two 15-week semesters. The part-time mode follows a similar pattern over two years. You take five core modules, one optional module plus a research project.

Core modules:

Molecular Oncology

Cancer Pharmacology

Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment

Molecular Genetics

Scientific Frameworks for Research

Research Project

Optional modules:

This course is primarily designed for those wishing to pursue a career in anti-cancer drug development, whether in academia or within the pharmaceutical industry. The programme provides an excellent basis for further research or study.

Between 2016 and 2020 we're investing £125 million in the London Metropolitan University campus, moving all of our activity to our current Holloway campus in Islington, north London. This will mean the teaching location of some courses will change over time.

Whether you will be affected will depend on the duration of your course, when you start and your mode of study. The earliest moves affecting new students will be in September 2017. This may mean you begin your course at one location, but over the duration of the course you are relocated to one of our other campuses. Our intention is that no full-time student will change campus more than once during a course of typical duration.

All students will benefit from our move to one campus, which will allow us to develop state-of-the-art facilities, flexible teaching areas and stunning social spaces.

Please note, in addition to the tuition fee there may be additional costs for things like equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.

Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and the fees set out above and will be notified when the activity is being arranged.

How to apply

Use the apply button to begin your application.

Please note, fees and course details may be subject to change.

When to apply

You are advised to apply as early as possible as applications will only be considered if there are places available on the course.

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